PD: Man Cites Azana Shooting in Threats That Earn Charges

A 38-year-old Ozaukee County man undergoing counseling treatment is in custody after he made several general threats while alluding to recent tragedies such as the spa shooting in Brookfield, according to police.

Ian Wangert, of Mequon, was charged Friday in Ozaukee County Circuit Court with unlawful phone use-threatens harm and faces 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines for the misdemeanor. 

Wangert told staff at Ozaukee County Counseling Center on Thursday that he felt "nobody will help him," making other comments that caused one staff member to feel threatened, according to the criminal complaint. That staff member then called police.

Wangert called the counseling center later that day, saying, "if I don't get some (expletive) help, something will (expletive) happen," according to the criminal complaint. Wangert also called the Advocates Center of Ozaukee County, saying "something to the effect of, 'you know what's happening with all the school shootings — that's how I feel right now.'"

Cedarburg police were also aware of an ongoing issue between Wangert and his landlord, after Wangert made a comment about letting the apartment burn, the complaint said. 

Wangert had also made comments to counseling member staff that he may "have to do this," and "the county created this," the complaint said. "If someone would have helped the salon shooter, maybe that would not have happened. This is where I am at now. I need help," he told counseling staff.

Local schools were made aware of the situation on Friday, and "appropriate levels of extra security" were put in place, according to a press release from the Ozaukee County Sherriff's Department.